The Girl in the Fireplace

The Girl in the Fireplace. What can I say? Well having been a keen Who fan since the Pertwee era as a four year old, I have witnessed many episodes which have excelled in excellent writing and direction from all incarnations of the Doctor (or should I call him В‘Lonely AngelВ’?), and others that have beenВ…wellВ…crap reallyВ…..

IВ’m afraid in my opinion The Girl in the Fireplace falls into the latter В– well not total crap but teetering on the edge story-wise. It promises so much but just seems to ambitious for the time it has been allotted to resolve the loose ends it leaves dragging behind it come the end titles.

ThereВ’s a few niggling points that even after numerous viewings, still stick in the throat. For instance how can a girl who sees a man in her fireplace at the age of seven then suddenly see him again in her early twenties, just throw him against the wall and snog the face of him? Now IВ’m not one of those fans that thinks the good Doctor should have the sexuality of a cactus (heВ’s a grandfather for goodness sake! HeВ’s obviously В‘dancedВ’ on more than one occasion over the centuries!), but this story just doesnВ’t give the chemistry enough time to develop. If a story ever needed a longer timeslot or a two-parter, itВ’s this one. If the Doctor had been visiting her throughout her early life until young adulthood continuously, the whole attraction between them would have seemed much more natural and touching come the storyВ’s resolve. In fact such a major development as the Doctor falling in love required this storyВ’s extension being absolutely essential.

They always say love is blind, but another niggler is that the Doc just jumps through the mirror and leaves his two companions stranded without so much as a goodbye. It was obvious in the story that he knew there was no way back! Having his character lacking forethought like this just feels wrong. If I were Rose and Mickey IВ’d ask him to leave me straight back home to the nearest council estate! Or maybe I just have abandonment issues?

Aside from this, the production of the show was up to the BBCВ’s usual high standard, the scenery and costumes were stunning, and the music though a little intrusive was beautiful. Another minor quibble being Sophia MylesВ’ makeup! Gorgeous as she is, she looked way too contemporary for one of those plain, powdered ladies from Pre-Revolutionary France! She would have the makings of a great companion thoughВ…

Now I know this has been mentioned before but I have to support this train of thought. I think Tennant is not up to the job as the DoctorВ….. I know itВ’s really early days and I hope as time goes on he will develop, but he just lacks that edge and depth that his predecessor had. All the actors who have portrayed Who have had their faults but somehow the darkness and gravitas was always present, earthing his character. Tennant seems to act as if heВ’s channelling Kenneth Williams half the time, his turns at winks and whines irritate more and delight, and his В‘crazyВ’ turn at being drunk in this episode was a major feux pas. I really want to like him rather than throttle him though - there are glimmers. Fingers crossedВ…